Endeavor harmonizes with Nashville agency

BLA pact gives companies 'roots' in untapped arenas

By CLAUDE BRODESSER

HOLLYWOOD -- Endeavor has entered into an alliance with Nashville's oldest talent agency, Buddy Lee Attractions, which reps country music artists like the Dixie Chicks, Lee Ann Womack, Tracy Lawrence, Aaron Tippin, Mark Chesnutt, Lorrie Morgan, Joe Diffie, Sammy Kershaw, Ronnie Milsap, Clay Walker and Marty Stuart.

BLA also handles new acts like Tammy Cochran, Pinmonkey, Hank Williams III and Elizabeth Cook. 

Agreement, hatched in May but unreported since, marks Endeavor's first pairing with a music agency and Buddy Lee Attractions' first with an outside talent agency.

With a full-time staff of 21 agents and associates, BLA was founded in 1964 as Aud-Lee Attractions. It was fully acquired by Buddy Lee in 1968.

In a jointly issued statement, Endeavor's partners said the alliance "creates Buddy Lee roots in Hollywood and Endeavor roots in Nashville.  It's a perfect match."

Endeavor has only recently made significant efforts in crossing over music acts, but with notable success: Agency most recently made the very rich renewal deal for skein "The Osbournes."

"Endeavor has the vast resources to package full television programs for an artist including the production, direction, writing and substantial acting talent," said Tony Conway, prexy and co-owner of Buddy Lee Attractions. "These resources bring to the clients of Buddy Lee Attractions broader career opportunities and a chance for a more global audience."

BLA will maintain its branch offices in Los Angeles, Kansas City, Houston and Austin, Texas.